The technology, accessed via a mobile app called Yearbook 3D, is called augmented reality, which basically offers a view of the real-world environment augmented by a computer. The technology is similar to QR codes, but more advanced and user-friendly.

While there has been a move for some institutions to do away with their yearbooks or to go purely digital, the UT yearbook staff wanted to protect the integrity of the historical nature of the yearbook and make sure the content would be accessible, despite how technology evolves in the future.

UT’s yearbook publisher, Walsworth, partnered with augmented reality leader Aurasma to offer the technology, and representatives said UT is ahead of the interactivity trend.